Valve

ABSTRACT

A fluid control valve, particularly for controlling the inflation and deflation of the cuff of blood pressure measuring apparatus, the valve comprising a base having a first passage therethrough adapted at one end for connection to the valve stem of a container of pressurized fluid, a valve member overlying the other end of the first passage to open and close the first passage, branch passage branch extending from said first passage through a side of the base, a wall connected to the valve member for common movement therewith extending along a side of the base said wall having a slot therein, biasing means urging the valve member away from the first passage, a control member connected to the base and extending through the slot of the wall, the slot enlarged relative to the control member in the direction of movement of the valve member and transverse thereto, the slot and control member relatively moveable in said directions and the wall of the slot remote from the valve member having a plurality of transverse positions spaced different distances from the valve member.

United States Patent [1 1 Saba 1 Nov. 11, 1975 VALVE [75] Inventor: Joseph M. Saba, Waltham, Mass.

[73] Assignee: Technical Resources, Inc., Waltham,

Mass.

[22] Filed: July 8, 1974 [21] Appl. No: 486,615

[52] US. Cl. 128/2.05 G; 128/327; 251/147; 251/353 [51] Int. Cl. A61B 5/02 [58] Field of Search 128/205 C, 2.05 G, 327, 128/205 M; 251/145, 147, 350, 353

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,138,301 6/1964 Ward 251/353 X 3,180,536 4/1965 Meshberg 251/353 X 3,246,809 4/1966 Ward 251/353 X 3,363,621 1/1968 Whitmore 128/305 M 3,713,446 l/l973 Sarnoff 128/327 3,785,532 l/l974 Cooprider 251/353 X Primary ExaminerKyle L. Howell [57] ABSTRACT A fluid control valve, particularly for controlling the inflation and deflation of the cuff of blood pressure measuring apparatus, the valve comprising a base having a first passage therethrough adapted at one end for connection to the valve stem of a container of pressurized fluid, a valve member overlying the other end of the first passage to open and close the first passage, branch passage branch extending from said first passage through a side of the base, a wall connected to the valve member for common movement therewith extending along a side of the base said wall having a slot therein, biasing means urging the valve member away from the first passage, a control member connected to the base and extending through the slot of the wall, the slot enlarged relative to the control member in the direction of movement of the valve member and transverse thereto, the slot and control member relatively moveable in said directions and the wall of the slot remote from the valve member having a plurality of transverse positions spaced different distances from the valve member.

10 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures US. atsnt Nov. 11, 1975 VALVE This invention relates to a fluid control valve and more particularly to a valve for use in the control of pressure in the cuff of blood pressure measuring apparatus.

It is a principal object of this invention to provide a fluid control valve adapted to control both the inflation and deflation from a container of pressurized fluid of the cuff of blood pressure measuring apparatus. It is another object of this invention to provide such a valve which is adjustable to vary the rate of deflation. It is yet another object of this invention to provide such a valve which permits operation for inflation and deflation using only one hand for the manipulation thereof. Other objects of this invention are to provide such a valve which is of simple construction and which is economical to manufacture. 1

In general the invention features a valve comprising a base having opposed ends and a side therebetween. A first passage extends through the base between the ends and a branch passage extends from the first passage through the base to the side thereof. The base is adapted for connection at one end thereof to the valve stem of a container of pressurized fluid with the valve stem in fluid-flow communication with the first passage. A valve-member is provided overlying the first passage at the other end of the base passage for opening and closing the first passage. Wall means, connected to the valve member for movement therewith extends along the side of the base and has a slot therein. Biasing means are connected between the base and valve member urging the valve member away from the first passage. A control member is connected to the side of the base and extends through the slot in the wall means. The slot is enlarged relative to thecontrol member in the direction of valve member movement and transversely thereto. The slot and the control means are relatively moveable in the direction of valve member movement and transversely thereto. The wall of the slot remote from the valve member has a plurality of transverse positions spaced different distances from the valve member. I v

In preferred embodiments the wall means comprises part of a cap over the other end of the base, the wall means extending below the branch passage, and the control member comprises a tube connected to the base at the branch passage, the tube having a central passage in-fluid flow communication with the branch passage. The base is cylindrical and the wall means has a cylindrical opening receiving the base, the slot and controlmember'positions adjustable by relative rotation of the base and wall means. The slot wall includes a plurality of detents for positively locating the control member. The first passage is enlarged at the one end thereof for receiving the valve stem of a container of pressurized fluid. The container of pressurized fluid having a depressible valve stem is connected to the first passage and an inflating tube of the cuff of blood pressure measuring apparatus is connected to the branch passage.

Other objects, features and advantages of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description thereof taken with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric partially exploded view of electronic blood pressure measuring apparatus adapted to employ the valve embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a valve embodying the invention;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the assembled valve illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the valve illustrated in FIG. 3 in one operational position in the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the valve illustrated in FIG. 3 in another operational position in the apparatus of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the valve illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 utilized in alternate blood pressure measuring apparatus.

With reference now to the drawings, and more particularly FIGS. 2 and 3 thereof, the valve comprises a cylindrical base 10 having a first central passage 12 extending from one end 14 to the other end 16 thereof. First passage 12 adjacent the one end 14 of base 10 is enlarged to receive the valve stem 18 of a container 20 of pressurized fluid, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, with valve stem 18 in fluid-flow communication with first passage 12. A valve seat 22 is formed at the exit of the first passage 12 from the other end 16 of base 10. A branch passage 24 is provided in base 10 extending from first passage 12, above the enlarged portion thereof through base 10 to the cylindrical side wall 26 of base 10.

A valve plate 28 is positioned at the end 16 of base 10 having a valve member 30 overlying and extending across first passage 12 adjacent valve seat 22. The valve plate 28 and valve member 30 are moveable'to and away from valve seat 22 to open and close first passage 12. A biasing spring 32 is positioned between base 10 and valve plate 28 urging valve plate 28 away from first passage 12.

A cap 34 covers valve plate'28 and has a wall 36 extending along the side base 10 below branch passage 24, wall 36 defining acentral cylindrical openingfor receiving base 10 in rotatable relationship thereto. Cap 34 has a slot 38 in wall 36 adjacent branch passage 24.

Branch passage 24 is enlarged adjacent side wall 26 of base 10 and receives a tube 40 therein. tube 40 having a central passage in fluid-flow communication with branch passage 24. Tube 40 extends through slot 38 in cap wall 36 and functions in conjunction with slot 38 as a control member.

The slot 38'is enlarged relative to tube 40 vertically, in the direction of valve plate movement, and circumferentially, transverse to the direction of valve plate movement. The lower wall 42 of slot 38, remote from valve plate 28, at circumferentially spaced positions has a plurality of detents 44, 46, 48 spaced different distances from valve plate 28 and valve member 30, best illustrated in FIG. 2. Since base 10 and cap 34 are relatively rotatable, tube 40 may be placed opposite a selected one of detents 44, 46, 48. The detents correspond to open and partially closed positions of valve member 30 and first passage 12. Thus, middle detent 46, spaced farthest from valve member 30 corresponds to a fully open position of the valve member 30, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Detents 44 and 48 spaced closer to valve member 30 correspond to partially closed positions of valve member 30, illustrated in broken lines in FIG. 3. Thus, the extent of opening of first passage 12 can be controlled by rotating cap 34 relative to base 10 3 thus placing tube 40 opposite a selected one of detents 44, 46, 48.

In one embodiment. the valve of the invention is used in conjunction with electronic blood pressure apparatus, illustrated in FIG. 1. The apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a cabinet 50 housing a manometer 52 for reading blood pressure measurements and appropriate electronics circuits (not shown) for detecting and signalling Korotkow sounds. A light 54 or an audible sound signals the detection of Korotkow sounds. Such electronic apparatus is known to the art and is not further described. The front panel of the apparatus includes female fittings 56, 58, 60, for receiving a microphone jack 62 from a cable 64 leading to a microphone (not shown) in tourniquet cuff 66 and for receiving tubes 68. 70, tube 68 to be connected via fitting 58 to manometer for indicating cuff pressure. Tube 70 is connected to fitting 60 which in turn is connected by flexible tubing 72 to tube 40 and branch passage 24 of the valve of the invention. First passage 12 of the valve is connected, as best shown in FIGS. 4 and in fluid flow communication with the valve stem 18 of container 20 of pressurized fluid, which may be dichlorodifluoromethane, container 20 being positioned within cabinet 50 with valve cap 34 extending through an aperture 73 in the cabinet.

In operation, tourniquet cuff 66 is placed on a patients arm with the microphone positioned over the brachial artery. Microphone jack 62 and tubes 68, 70 are respectively connected to fittings 56, 58, 60. Valve cap 34. is then depressed causing valve member 30 to close first passage 12 and causing valve stem 18 to be depressed releasing pressurized fluid from container 20, as illustrated in FIG. 5. The fluid thus released passes through branch passage and on to pressurize cuff 66 to act as a tourniquet stopping blood flow in the patients arm. Cap 34 is then released opening valve member 30 and first passage 12 to permit slow deflation of cuff 66 by the passage of fluid from cuff 66 through first passage 12 and between wall 36 and base which are loose fitting for that purpose.

- The rate of deflation of cuff 66 is selected according to the patient, preferably equivalent to 2 mm. of Hg. per pulse of the patient. Since patient pulse rates vary. cap 34 is turned to locate tube 40 opposite one of detents 44, 48 providing a partially closed position of valve member 30 which approximately corresponds to the desired rate of deflation. Preferably the cap is so turned prior to inflation. As deflation continues Korotkow sounds are detected by the apparatus and are signalled by a flashing light or audibly and the systolic pressure is recorded at the commencement of such signalling. Diastolic pressure is recorded as deflation further continues when the Korotkow sounds and the signalling cease. If desired, at this point cap 34 may be turned to locate tube 40 opposite detent 46 fully opening valve member 30 and first passage 12 for rapid deflation of cuff 66.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the valve of the invention may be used with standard blood pressure measuring apparatus as well. Such apparatus comprises a tourniquet cuff 74 having a flexible tube 76 connected to a column of mercury for indicating cuff pressure. Inflating tube 78 extends from cuff 74 to the tube 40 of a valve according to the invention which is in turn connected in fluid-flow communication with the valve stem ofa container of pressurized fluid. The valve is oper- 4 ated in the same manner as in the electronic apparatus above described.

Other embodiments of this invention will occur to those skilled in the art which are within the scope ofthc following claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A fluid control valve, comprising:

a base having opposed ends and a side therebetween.

a first passage extending thcrethrough between said ends, and a branch passage extending from said first passage thcrethrough to said side of said base, said base adapted for connection at one end to the valve stem of a container ofpressurized fluid with said valve stem in fluid-flow communication with said first passage;

a valve member overlying and extending across said first passage at the other end of said base, said valve member adapted for movement to and away from said first passage to open and close said first passage;

wall means connected to said valve member for common movement therewith, said wall means extending from said valve member along said side of said base and having a slot therein;

biasing means connected between said valve member and said base urging said valve member away from said first passage;

a control member connected to said base side and extending from said base side through said slot in said wall means, said control member engagable with one wall of said slot with said valve member spaced away from said first passage;

said slot enlarged relative to said control member in the direction of movement of said valve member and transverse thereto, said slot and said control member movable relative to each other in the direction of movement of said valve member and transverse thereto, and said one wall of said slot having a plurality of transverse positions spaced different distances from said valve member for engagement with said control member;

whereby the engagement of said control member and said one wall of said slot limits and defines the extent of opening of said valve member relative to said first passage in a particular transverse position of said slot and the extent of such opening may be varied by placing said control member in another said position of said slot, thereby to control the rate of release of fluid pressure in said branch passage.

2. The valve claimed in claim 1 in which said wall means extends past said branch passage, said slot is adjacent said branch passage, and said control member comprises a tube connected to said base at said branch passage, said tube having a central passage in fluid-flow communication with said branch passage.

3. The valve claimed in claim 1 in which said base is cylindrical, said wall means comprises a cylindrical opening receiving said base, and said base and said wall means are relatively rotatable for adjusting the relative position of said slot and said control member.

4. The valve claimed in claim 3 in which said slot in said wall means includes a plurality of detents at said spaced transverse position for positively locating said control member thereat.

5. The valve claimed in claim 4 in which said wall means extends past said branch passage, said slot is adjacent said branch passage. and said control member comprises a tube connected to said base at said branch passage. said tube having a central passage in fluid-flow communication with said branch passage.

6. The valve claimed in claim 5 further including a cap. said wall means integral therewith. and said valve member positioned within said cap for movement therewith to and away from said first passage.

7. The valve claimed in claim 6 in which said first passage is enlarged at the one end thereof opposite said valve member for receiving said valve stem of said container of pressurized fluid.

8. The valve claimed in claim 7 in combination with the cuff of bloodpressurc measuring apparatus, said cuff including an inflating tube in fluid-flow communi- 

1. A fluid control valve, comprising: a base having opposed ends and a side therebetween, a first passage extending therethrough between said ends, and a branch passage extending from said first passage therethrough to said side of said base, said base adapted for connection at one end to the valve stem of a container of pressurized fluid with said valve stem in fluid-flow communication with said first passage; a valve member overlying and extending across said first passage at the other end of said base, said valve member adapted for movement to and away from said first passage to open and close said first passage; wall means connected to said valve member for common movement therewith, said wall means extending from said valve member along said side of said base and having a slot therein; biasing means connected between said valve member and said base urging said valve member away from said first passage; a control member connected to said base side and extending from said base side through said slot in said wall means, said control member engagable with one wall of said slot with said valve member spaced away from said first passage; said slot enlarged relative to said control member in the direction of movement of said valve member and transverse thereto, said slot and said control member movable relative to each other in the direction of movement of said valve member and transverse thereto, and said one wall of said slot having a plurality of transverse positions spaced different distances from said valve member for engagement with said control member; whereby the engagement of said control member and said one wall of said slot limits and defines the extent of opening of said valve member relative to said first passage in a particular transverse position of said slot and the extent of such opening may be varied by placing said control member in another said position of said slot, thereby to control the rate of release of fluid pressure in said branch passage.
 2. The valve claimed in claim 1 in which said wall means extends past said branch passage, said slot is adjacent said branch passage, and said control member comprises a tube connected to said base at said branch passage, said tube having a central passage in fluid-flow communication with said branch passage.
 3. The valve claimed in claim 1 in which said base is cylindrical, said wall means comprises a cylindrical opening receiving said base, and said base and said wall means are relatively rotatable for adjusting the relative position of said slot and said control member.
 4. The valve claimed in claim 3 in which said slot in said wall means includes a plurality of detents at said spaced transverse position for positively locating said control member thereat.
 5. The valve claimed in claim 4 in which said wall means extends past said branch passage, said slot is adjacent said branch passage, and said control member comprises a tube connected to said base at said branch passage, said tube having a central passage in fluid-flow communication with said branch passage.
 6. The valve claimed in claim 5 further including a cap, said wall means integral therewith, and said valve member positioned within said cap for movement therewith to and away from said first passage.
 7. The valve claimed in claim 6 in which said first passage is enlarged at the one end thereof opposite said valve member for receiving said valve stem of said container of pressurized fluid.
 8. The valve claimed in claim 7 in combination with the cuff of blood-pressure measuring apparatus, said cuff including an inflating tube in fluid-flow communication with said tube of said valve and with said branch passage.
 9. The valve claimed in claim 7 in combination with a container of pressurized fluid having a depressible valve stem for release of said fluid on depression thereof, said valve stem in said enlarged portion of said first passage in Fluid-flow communication therewith.
 10. The valve claimed in claim 9 in combination with the cuff of blood-pressure measuring apparatus, said cuff including an inflating tube in fluid-flow communication with said tube of said valve and with said branch passage. 